Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

“Not all combat wounds are caused by bullets and shrapnel.” *
– Jim Nicholson, Secretary of Veterans Affairs

Many returning veterans experience some form of PTSD. PTSD is a response to trauma that may develop after an individual is exposed to

• A threat of death or severe injury,
• A threat to the physical integrity of oneself or another person, or
• Death or severe injury to another person.

PTSD has always existed, but today, it is better diagnosed and more treatable.

• In World War I, PTSD symptoms were referred to as “shell shock.”
• In World War II, PTSD symptoms were referred to as “battle fatigue.”
• Following the Vietnam War, in 1980, the term PTSD was added to the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.

How many people are diagnosed with PTSD?

• Studies of Gulf War I Veterans indicate a PTSD prevalence of 10.1%.
• Studies of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom veterans indicate a PTSD prevalence of 13.8%.

PTSD is not an excuse for violence and abuse!